Wolviston secretary Keith Simpson was not in the least bit suprised when Andy Clark picked up the man-of-the-match award against New Marske last weekend.

Clark only came into the Wolviston team a couple of months ago but has already established himself as an accomplished defender.

"Andy won promotion from our reserves and has settled into the sweeper role exceptionally well. He was in great form in the match with New Marske and his performance was pivotal in our victory," enthused Simpson.

Chris Lax also won praise for his two goals. "Chris had a simple tap in for the first but his second was a real beauty. The goalkeeper saved his initial attempt struck from outside the box and his second shot cannoned off a defender but he made no mistake when given a third chance," said Simpson who reports that Lax is the club's leading scorer with 29 goals.

Wolviston's victory over New Marske and Darlington RA's defeat at Windscale has opened up the race for the championship with only ten points separating seven clubs.

Redcar Town are seventh from top but have four games in hand on leaders RA. New Marske and Windscale are joint-second with the same points and goals difference while North Shields, Stokesley SC and Birtley Town, who won their ninth successive match, are also in contention.

North Shields paraded a new signing in their fixture at Cleadon SC. Anthony Lowther, who has been playing in the States for Atlanta Legends, made his debut for his home town club.

"When we heard that Anthony was home we made an immediate move for him," declared Robins secretary David Thompson.

"He slotted in very well on the left-side of midfield and helped us to a crucial victory. The lads had to work extremely hard and manager Terry Paddison was pleased with their commitment," Thompson added.

North Shields, with ambitions of playing in the Albany North League, have two important cup ties coming up. On February 9 they host Redcar Town in the semi-final of the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup and a week later visit Darlington RA in the quarter final of the Sunderland Shipowners' Cup.

"Obviously, we want to win both cup games but our main aim is to carry off the title and hopefully step up the ladder. It is extremely tight at the top and I would not be surprised if the race went right to the wire, exclaimed Thompson.